Public Statements

Press Release

Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Peter Roskam (R-IL) led a bipartisan effort to aid Israel in improving and enhancing its missile defense system. A bipartisan coalition of 63 members of Congress introduced the Iron Dome Act of 2013 to authorize the President to provide assistance for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of additional Iron Dome defense systems.

"Iron Dome has proven itself to be a highly successful defensive weapon system," said Rep. Davis, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Additional support for the Iron Dome program will save countless lives and help to maintain stability in the region, which is vital to our national security interests."

"The world witnessed last November just how effective and important Iron Dome is to the national security of our friend and ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel," said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. "While Hamas, and other extremist elements who are intent on wiping Israel off the face of the map, lobbed hundreds and thousands of rockets upon Israel indiscriminately, Iron Dome shielded innocent Israeli civilians and saved countless lives. That is why it is so important that the United States continue to support Israel and the Iron Dome -- because make no mistake about it, Hamas and the others have no intention of ending their rampage. I thank Congresswoman Susan Davis for introducing the Iron Dome Act. It is a vital bill that sends an important message that the United States will continue to work with Israel to ensure the safety of its citizens."

"The unprecedented success of Iron Dome is testament to the strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship," said Rep. Roskam, GOP Chief Deputy Whip and House Republican Israel Caucus co-chair. "We must continue to provide full support for Israeli anti-missile defense systems including Iron Dome, which saves countless Israeli lives by intercepting Hamas rockets."

During the recent Operation Pillar of Defense in the Gaza Strip, the Iron Dome missile shield over Israel was successful in downing nearly 90% of incoming missiles its software deemed threatening. Hundreds of innocent lives were spared. And, rocket fire from the Gaza strip did not escalate into a larger crisis.

However, the coverage provided by the Iron Dome defense system is inadequate, and Israel requires additional units to protect all of its civilian population. Therefore, it is critical that the United States continues to partner with Israel to improve this effective missile defense system.